We had a great stay, I would rate this as a super-host out of having travelled in many countries and similar houses. James and his family are very welcoming and helpful hosts. He pointed us to the necessary apps to get around in China and interesting spots in Kunming and its surroundings before our arrival. We were kindly cooked some meals although this is not advertised or expected, it was very thoughtful. Overall we were felt left in very good hands and James kindly found vegetarian adresses fitting our diet. He also helped us find a locker for our luggage when we left. The location is as visible on maps, a small suburb village, but it was very easy to reach the city center with mobile-hailed Taxi (taxis are very cheap and much more convenient in Kunming than public transport). The plus is that it is very quiet compared to the city and you will feel as if you are staying on the steps of the mountain. Xishan mountain is also closer as a result and worth a half-day or day trip. The room is very clean and the terrasse has a cozy collection of plants. The bed especially had a very good mattress, which is important for me. We only stayed 3 nights but could easily have stayed a week with James and his family to enjoy the many sights of Kunming’s surroundings and the fresh air of this high altitude city. I will definitely stay here again on my next transit in Kunming.

Before I even arrived, James (the owner of the home's English name) got in touch with me via the Booking.com platform to welcome me and say we could get in touch more directly via WeChat - the Chinese messaging App. If you don't have WeChat, you will be able to continue talking to him on Booking.com. In the days leading up to my stay, he was fast to answer all of the questions and queries I had. (James can speak English.) For this accommodation, you are staying in the home of James' family. James, his wife, son and mother live on the first two floors and guests have the top floor. The top floor consists of two rooms. One of them is a double bedroom, with double bed, desk and bathroom. The other is a family room, with double bed and bathroom, and a second bed in an area upstairs, making it appropriate for a family with one child, or two younger children. (I was travelling alone and staying in the first room, but because there were no other guests, they were happy to show me what the other room was like too. Outside of the two rooms, the third floor is essentially a rooftop balcony. They have many, many plants, including a lemon tree, from which you can eat the lemons. They have one table outside, and a second table in a small tea room. There is also a washing line that you share with the family for drying clothes. The family have a washing machine you can use if you need. I was continued to be made feel at home the whole trip. I arrived late in the evening - around 9pm. James' mother came to meet me and showed me down where the small supermarket was at the bottom of the hill, and also an old running track near the house I could use. Throughout the stay, James asked if I needed anything, and made recommendations for things I could do as and when I asked. (In fact, when I left and went to stay in Lijiang next, he even continued to make recommendations then!) They will help you book a taxi if you need it. Thank you!

The only thing I didn't like was that my stay was too short. It was only 3 nights! I will definitely stay for longer next time! A point to note is the location. It is away from the city centre and you need to take a taxi from the subway station at the end of the line. However, this comes with a massive positive! They live in something of a village at the edge of the city. Their are lots of rows of houses on the top of the hill, where their home is. I was staying over Chinese New Year and at night time, lots of people were out on the streets, making for a beautiful atmosphere. At other times it is very quiet and peaceful. At the bottom of the hill where they live, is the other part of the village, with a shop that has lots of groceries. It is still only a 20 minute (with no traffic) taxi ride to the city centre, which means you can have the best of both worlds. Village and city! I went into the city centre both days with no hassle. Taxi's can get to the village quickly and easily. Each night when I came home, James' mum cooked for me for no charge, even around 9pm on the second night. She also gave me some tea and quickly helped with anything I needed in the room. Thank you!